Mid-Autumn Festival

Mid-Autumn Festival

The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated by many Asian countries, including China, Vietnam, and Korea. It is usually held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually in September or October in the Gregorian calendar), when the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest.

During the festival, families and friends gather together to celebrate and enjoy a feast of traditional foods, such as mooncakes, which are round pastries filled with sweet and savory fillings, and pomelos, a type of citrus fruit. In addition to feasting, the Mid-Autumn Festival is also a time for outdoor activities, such as lantern-making, and lighting up and parading with lanterns of all shapes and sizes.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is steeped in cultural significance and history. It originated in China over 3,000 years ago, during the Shang Dynasty, as a way to celebrate the harvest and offer thanks to the moon goddess, Chang’e. Over the centuries, the festival has also become associated with other legends and traditions, such as the story of the Jade Rabbit and the Moon Lady.

Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival continues to be an important and beloved holiday for many people of Asian descent around the world. It is a time for families to come together, celebrate their shared cultural heritage, and enjoy the beauty of the full moon.